What are the options for starting a travel agency franchise in the UK?

Starting a travel agency franchise in the UK can be an exciting and lucrative opportunity, especially for those with an interest in the travel and tourism industry. Franchises offer the advantage of leveraging an established brand and a proven business model. Below are some of the key options for starting a travel agency franchise in the UK, along with associated costs and other details to help you make an informed decision.

1. Travel Counsellors

Overview: Travel Counsellors is one of the UK’s leading independent travel agency franchises. It offers personalized services for customers looking for leisure, business, and corporate travel solutions.

Investment Costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: £13,500
Total Estimated Investment: £20,000 to £30,000 (This includes the franchise fee, training, and start-up costs)
Ongoing Royalties: 1.5% of your gross sales, plus an additional contribution to marketing.
Term: Typically a 5-year renewable contract.

Key Features:

Home-based business model, which reduces overheads.
Comprehensive training and support provided, including sales training and marketing assistance.
Access to proprietary software and tools for booking and managing travel packages.

2. Holidays Please

Overview: Holidays Please is a highly regarded travel franchise offering a wide range of holiday packages, from luxury to budget options. It emphasizes providing excellent customer service and personalized travel experiences.

Investment Costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: £8,500 to £15,000
Total Estimated Investment: £20,000 to £35,000 (including initial fee, start-up costs, and marketing budget)
Ongoing Royalties: 2.5% of sales.
Term: 5 years with an option for renewal.

Key Features:

Offers flexible, home-based opportunities.
Low overhead costs as you can work remotely.
Full training and marketing support provided.
Strong network of preferred suppliers for competitive pricing.

3. The Travel Franchise

Overview: This franchise is ideal for those looking for a business with a broad range of travel options, including cruises, luxury holidays, and family vacations. The Travel Franchise provides comprehensive support and tools for franchisees.

Investment Costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: £12,995
Total Estimated Investment: £20,000 to £40,000 (including marketing, technology setup, and training)
Ongoing Royalties: Typically around 1.5% to 3% of sales.
Term: 5 years, renewable.

Key Features:

Flexible working options—run the business from home or set up a retail location.
Full training, including a detailed sales and marketing program.
Marketing packages, customer relationship management tools, and website management included.

4. Not Just Travel

Overview: Not Just Travel focuses on delivering high-quality customer service, with a broad range of holidays available, including tailor-made packages. It offers a home-based business model that’s suitable for individuals who want to work from home.

Investment Costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: £3,995 to £15,000 (based on your chosen package)
Total Estimated Investment: £10,000 to £20,000
Ongoing Royalties: 1% to 2% of turnover.
Term: 5 years with an option for renewal.

Key Features:

Low-cost entry with different franchise packages based on business goals.
Provides marketing materials, training, and an online booking system.
Opportunity to operate the business from home or open a small office.

5. Travel Partners

Overview: Travel Partners offers a wide variety of travel packages and specializes in providing both traditional and online-based travel services to a diverse range of customers.

Investment Costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: £5,000 to £15,000
Total Estimated Investment: £15,000 to £25,000 (including training, software setup, and marketing costs)
Ongoing Royalties: Around 1.5% to 2% of your gross turnover.
Term: 5 years.

Key Features:

Low-cost franchise opportunity with a wide customer base.
Comprehensive online booking tools, customer management, and travel packages.
Full training and ongoing support are provided to franchisees.

6. Jetset

Overview: Jetset is a well-known name in the UK travel industry and offers franchise opportunities in both leisure and business travel. They offer a variety of support, training, and marketing assistance to franchisees.

Investment Costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: £15,000 to £25,000
Total Estimated Investment: £35,000 to £50,000 (including fees, training, and marketing)
Ongoing Royalties: Around 3% of gross sales.
Term: 5 years with renewal options.

Key Features:

Extensive marketing and operational support.
Access to exclusive travel deals and packages.
A strong brand presence in the UK market.

7. Mister Fly

Overview: A rapidly growing franchise, Mister Fly offers competitive pricing on flights, holidays, and travel-related services. It focuses on providing cost-effective travel solutions to a broad market.

Investment Costs:

Initial Franchise Fee: £5,000 to £10,000
Total Estimated Investment: £15,000 to £25,000
Ongoing Royalties: 1% to 3% of sales.
Term: 5 years.

Key Features:

Low entry cost, suitable for smaller budgets.
Operates with a focus on online travel booking.
Comprehensive training and customer support provided.

Cost Breakdown Summary (approximate ranges):

Franchise Name	Initial Franchise Fee	Total Estimated Investment	Ongoing Royalties
Travel Counsellors	£13,500	£20,000 to £30,000	1.5%
Holidays Please	£8,500 to £15,000	£20,000 to £35,000	2.5%
The Travel Franchise	£12,995	£20,000 to £40,000	1.5% to 3%
Not Just Travel	£3,995 to £15,000	£10,000 to £20,000	1% to 2%
Travel Partners	£5,000 to £15,000	£15,000 to £25,000	1.5% to 2%
Jetset	£15,000 to £25,000	£35,000 to £50,000	3%
Mister Fly	£5,000 to £10,000	£15,000 to £25,000	1% to 3%

Disclaimer:

The information provided above is for general informational purposes only. It does not guarantee any particular outcomes or profits. The costs and fees listed may vary depending on location, terms, and specific franchise arrangements. Always conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.